Physics
Are you curious and imaginative? Do you get personal satisfaction from solving problems? Do you enjoy math and analyzing the physical world? Do you want to solve the mysteries of the universe? Then a degree in physics may be for you!
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Modern society is influenced by physics in countless ways. Recent development in fields such as laser optics, miniaturized electronics, nanotechnology, nuclear energy and medical instrumentation, are just some of the ways physics advances society today.
Research with Faculty
The large physics department at UW-Eau Claire offers a wide variety of possible research areas for students. This unique opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty in physics research spans the discipline. Some examples include atomic or acoustical physics, materials science, near-IR spectroscopy of planetary nebulae, X-ray spectroscopy of hot stars, computational science research, and planetary science. There are currently students using the Chandra X-ray telescope that is orbiting Earth.
Some students write textbooks, and others are working with local companies to improve products; the possibilities are endless!
Innovative Facilities
As a student at UW-Eau Claire you'll have access to the Materials Science Center. No other similar campus in the upper midwest has equipment and technology such as atomic force microscopes, a scanning tunneling electron microscope, an x-ray diffractometer, to name a few, concentrated in one Center. UW-Eau Claire also provides the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborative projects unlike other universities. In addition, you’ll have access to a 24-inch reflecting telescope at Hobbs Observatory; no other school in this region, has such a large telescope for student research projects.
Solid Preparation
Physics majors are well prepared for graduate studies in the following areas: physics, surface science, astronomy, materials science, medical physics, medicine, teaching, engineering, architecture, and law. They are also prepared for careers within the fields of: technology and materials companies, computer companies, planetariums, government laboratories, the military, and the Peace Corps.
Suggested freshman curriculum
- Introduction to College
Writing
- Precalculus Math or
Calculus I
- General Chemistry
- Calculus II
- University Physics
- Intro to Computer
Programming
- Social sciences or
humanities course
More advising information
Our graduates
Our physics graduates participate in life-changing endeavors like developing methods and tools that diagnose and cure disease; managing traffic flow in large cities; predicting geological phenomena like earthquakes; creating new materials; and developing cleaner fuels for automobiles.
More career information
Places you’ll find recent graduates:
- Computer Programmer,
Celestica, Eau Claire, WI
- Astronomer, SIRTF Science
Center, California Institute of
Technology in Pasadena, CA
- Quality Engineer and World
Wide Stop Ship Coordinator,
IBM in Rochester, MN
- Physics Teacher,
Palm Beach County, FL
& Cadott, WI
- National Research Council
Research Association, NASA
Johnson Space Center,
Houston, TX
- Graduate schools,
Madison, Purdue,
University of Minnesota
University of Wisconsin-
Madison
Department contact information
physics@uwec.edu
715-836-3148
